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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to amend its Partnership Agreement with the Chicago Horticultural Society, Glencoe, Illinois.
Reason: The Forest Preserves seeks to increase the spending authority under its Partnership Agreement with the Chicago Horticultural Society, which operates the Chicago Botanic Garden (the “Garden”), in order to staff native plant Nursery Manager and Nursery Technician positions through the Garden for an additional year. These positions were recruited, hired, and trained by the Garden to assist with the launch of the Forest Preserves’ in-house seed amplification program through the development of seed beds, greenhouse infrastructure, and protocol for seed collection and propagation. These positions were originally funded for an initial two-year period beginning in mid-2024. The Forest Preserves now requests an additional year of financial support (not to exceed $191,360) to ensure continuity in nursery operations during peak growing season while permanent Forest Preserves staff are hired and trained.
Cultivating native seeds and plants from local populations is critical to the resilience of ecological restoration efforts throughout the preserves by ensuring that native plants are genetically adapted to our local habitats. With the support of these positions, native seed production among the Forest Preserves’ central nursery and a network of raised seed beds and wild seed gardens has quadrupled, and over one hundred (100) species are presently in cultivation. To date, over 33,000 plant plugs have been installed in Forest Preserve restoration sites. The Garden is a recognized global leader at the forefront of research on floristic genetics and species diversity for landscape restoration efforts throughout the upper Midwest.
The original Partnership Agreement (Board Item 24-0132), allocated funding to support the Nursery Manager and Technician positions as well as the Garden’s Stewardship and Ecology of Natural Areas (“SENA”) internship program. The total costs of the Partnership Agreement, including funding under this proposed amendment, are not to exceed $624,160.00.
Contract Period: 3/21/2024 - 12/31/2027
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: Not to exceed $432,800.00 ($332,800.00 for the seed amplification program and $100,000.00 for SENA internship program).
This Increase Requested: Not to exceed $191,360.00.
Fiscal Impact: FY 2026 $203,880.00, FY 2027 $120,680.00 (totals include unexpended SENA internship program costs, other previously approved but unspent costs, and the requested additional funding).
Account(s): Professional Services 51030.520840; Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444; and all future Professional Services accounts.
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): Districtwide
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